How much does a DNA test cost?

How much does a DNA test cost?

Written by
Claudia
Smith
23 March 2016

The short answer is less than £100! The long answer is that the cost of a DNA test is now affordable to many people. This is due to the widespread demand for DNA testing for a variety of reasons. In the past, testing was most often used to determine paternity or to prove or deny paternity when it was being contested. Most of the time, testing was done by a specific laboratory and the cost was fixed at a higher price point. This is because testing one or two samples was more costly than testing several samples.

So how much is DNA testing?

DNA Testing Choice provides a listing for every DNA test that you can buy online to take at home and displays each DNA test price. Prices for each test, whether for paternity, for health, or for ancestry are listed by category. Some labs are located in the US and Canada, but there are plenty of laboratories throughout the UK. For most types of DNA testing you should be able to find a lab based in the UK.

Today, testing is mainly done for ancestry inquiries, for paternity, and for health reasons. Testing for health reasons was once limited to patients who had concerns about inheriting certain diseases and had discussed testing with their healthcare professional. Now, people can have testing done for many different types of health concern, whether they know their family health history or not. The DNA testing cost for health inquiries has dropped dramatically, anyone who has concerns can probably afford it.

When it comes to asking exactly how much a DNA test is, it will depend on the reason for testing. Paternity tests are more basic, so they typically cost less than those for ancestry (under £100 for non-court approved paternity tests, around £300 for court-approved paternity tests). Testing for disease markers will cost more, due to the extent of testing and the interpretation of the results.

The DNA test cost to establish or discount paternity is often the least expensive. Couples who need to identify the biological father of a child can pay a small fee for a ‘peace of mind’ (non-court approved) test and get results within a day or two. Below we go into the different types of DNA testing and the costs associated with each.

How much does a DNA test cost for paternity?

The cost of paternity testing will range from £88 to £390, depending on the test and lab used. Results can be available on the same day you order in some instances. The cost for same-day results varies from £99 to £169, depending on which lab is used. There are only a few laboratories that provide same-day results. However, there are many more that provide results within a day or two. For most people, this is the preferred choice.

Some UK laboratories may take up to a week to provide paternity test results. Labs that take up to a week for paternity test results tend to price their services near the lower end of the range.

Those who are unsure if they’ll go through with the test after taking the samples can order a free DNA test kit. However, just because the kit is free, doesn’t mean that the entire process is free. After the samples are collected, they must be sent to a laboratory for processing. There are fees involved in shipping the samples and fees for processing the samples. Still, a free DNA testing kit may be a good idea if paternity is in question. It is also important to note that if you order a free test kit to take the samples at home, the results will not be admissible in court because a professional has not witnessed you providing those samples.

A free or cheap DNA testing kit can answer questions about paternity before you decide to take a case to court, as long you’re sure that you’re sending samples from the alleged father and child to the lab, and that the samples could not have been tampered with.

DNA Ancestry testing

DNA testing for ancestry is a growing trend. Testing for ancestry can reveal a few different types of information. The first type of information it reveals is ethnicity. Many people think they are of one ethnic origin, but then discover that there are many ethnicities in their genetic makeup. This feature may be important to those who are adopted, who are keen to learn more about themselves. It’s worth noting that ethnicity can sometimes make a person more prone to specific types of health problem or disease. Having this information can be helpful to those who are working with a healthcare professional to diagnose a condition.

Sometimes, knowing one’s ethnicity can be a source of pride. A person who doesn’t know his or her ethnicity may be interested to learn about the food preferences and cultural practices relating to their genetic heritage. Knowing one’s ethnicity can also give an individual a sense of belonging. It can be a way for a person to celebrate his or her uniqueness.

Ancestry DNA testing can connect distant relatives. Those who have used ancestry testing in the past have the opportunity to have their DNA results recorded in a database. An individual who submits a sample for this type of testing can have his or her DNA matched to those who are already registered in the database. In some instances, an individual can find cousins or distant relatives sharing similar DNA. In other instances, an adopted person may be able to find parents, grandparents, or siblings who were adopted elsewhere.

How much does a DNA test cost for ancestry?

Ancestry testing prices range from £55 to £969. The fees at the higher end will include other forms of DNA testing related to health and genetic disease markers. For those who simply want to know where they come from, testing is relatively inexpensive. Most companies offering ancestry testing will provide results in 4 to 12 weeks. Some companies in the UK can have results in as little as 2 weeks. Price isn’t really dependent on how long it takes to get results.

Sometimes people want to use caution when choosing life partners, especially if they are from tight-knit communities. This is especially important for those who have no information about their birth parents. Couples can each submit a sample to determine if they are related, and to what extent. This can prevent couples from having children with birth defects or can prevent the embarrassment of dating a close relative.

There are examples of couples becoming romantically involved, only to discover years later that they are related after acquaintances and distant relatives give them some background. It is much easier to submit samples for DNA testing from the start, to avoid any shocking news at a later date.

When an individual chooses ancestry DNA testing, depending on the test they choose, he or she can receive a thorough evaluation of their ethnicity, or an analysis of their male and female lineage. However, only men can receive information about their male lineage, as only men carry the Y chromosome which is used to trace paternal ancestry. Women can still gain plenty of insight into their familial history with ancestry testing, and can ask their brother or father to take an ancestry test so they have a complete picture of their male and female lineage.

Results are sometimes offered in the form of a historical narration. In addition, the reports will often provide information on how many individuals there are with the same genetic markers, and how they’re geographically distributed. For some people, the distribution of their DNA markers can provide a clue as to where their distant ancestors came from. Many people find these reports can refute or support the oral history provided by older generations of their family.

DNA testing for health

For many people, DNA testing for health is worth the cost. There are many reasons to test for genetic or inherited health problems. One reason is to give physicians the most complete picture of your health, in case there’s a risk of passing a condition on to your children. Tay Sachs, Huntington’s Disease, Sickle Cell Anaemia, Cystic Fibrosis, and Down’s Syndrome are examples of such disorders. Many of these diseases will be apparent upon birth or shortly after. Each of these, with the exception of Huntington’s Disease, will require medical intervention from birth or within the first few weeks of life.

Huntington’s Disease affects adults in the prime of their lives. Usually, family members are aware of the potential to develop the disease, based on the medical history of previous generations. Every child of a parent with the Huntington’s gene has a 50% chance of getting the disease. If the child doesn’t get the gene, his or her children won’t. This may be important for those who are considering children or those who don’t have a biological family history, due to adoption.

Many families opt to have children tested when a parent is diagnosed with the disease. Huntington’s rarely affects children in their teen years, but it does happen. Any of the diseases affected solely by inheritance are known as being 100% penetrant, as those who receive the gene associated to that condition will eventually suffer with it. Because many of these diseases require additional medical care, families may plan differently for the future if they know in advance. Planning ahead may allow for financial and care considerations.

Many diseases can be the result of a combination of genes, lifestyle and behaviour. Type II Diabetes is one of them. While sedentary lifestyle and poor diet contribute, there are active people eating healthily who also get type II Diabetes. Knowing in advance if a person carries genetic markers for the disease can help a person decide how he or she will live. For instance, taking extra precautions with dietary choices and maintaining a healthy weight may become a priority. Physicians who are aware of the genetic tendencies in the family can also help patients maintain healthier lifestyles. Early detection and developing an action plan can often make a difference to lifespan and quality of life for such individuals.

How much does a DNA test cost for health?

DNA testing for health and genetic diseases was previously cost-prohibitive for many people. Now, people who want to know what they may be at risk for can do so inexpensively.

If you’re concerned that you’re currently suffering with a genetic disease, you can speak with your doctor who may arrange for you to be tested for free via the National Health Service (NHS). These types of genetic test can often help with diagnosing and treating a condition, however, genetic tests for diagnostic purposes can not be ordered online to take at home, and are not listed on DNA Testing Choice.

Testing for health can cost as little as £89 or as much as £825, depending on the extent of the testing and the laboratory chosen. Some people may desire DNA testing for diet and fitness, which covers different sets of genetic markers and processes like metabolism. These markers are important to athletes who want to optimise training, nutrition, fitness, and recovery. Reports focusing on metabolism can help them design personalised fitness plans that help them achieve at optimal levels. They can also help by preventing injuries through proper rest programs.

DNA testing is not for everyone. However, many people are choosing to take matters into their own hands. For matters of paternity, knowing sooner is better than later. For issues related to ancestry, people may want to find their familial connections or ethnic group, to gain a sense of who they are. Health testing may be important for those who don’t have a family health history or who want to improve their physical health and fitness. DNA testing is affordable for most people, regardless of their motivation.

Jeanne Hyland

10 January 2017

Looking to find biological siblings. I was adopted from new York founding hospital. I'm now 61 years old. 0

Hi Jeanne,

Thank you for your recent comment.

We recommend you take an autosomal ancestry DNA test with 23andMe, Ancestry.com or Family Tree DNA. These all include databases which will match you with living relatives using your DNA. You can find out more about these tests on this page: https://dnatestingchoice.com/ancestry

Kind regards,

Harriet

Harriet Seldon | Services Team

Sherri Bennett

19 January 2017

I would like to do a test to find out my nationality is. My father says he has some american indian on his side. And my nother says she is irish on her side. Can I can I do that here

Hi Sherri,

Thank you for your recent comment.

Yes, you can! We recommend you take an autosomal DNA test with 23andMe, Ancestry.com or Family Tree DNA which will report on your ethnic breakdown and the percentage of your DNA that's associated to Irish or Native American populations. These services will also let you contact any living relatives you have according to how much DNA you share with them.

christi

I would like to have DNA on my son and the possible father is deceased but his parents are willing to test as well as the fathers bother and sister so which test should I get

Hi Christi,

Thank you for your recent comment.

We’d suggest that your son and the possible father's father take a grandparent DNA test, specifically one that compares their Y DNA. Y DNA is passed directly from father to son, and so if they are related, this DNA should match almost exactly.

margaret

29 May 2017

I am 65 yrs old and I am british. My family history is that my great grandfather could be king Alfonso 13th of Spain son. I have no proof but my grandfather used to tell me all the time when I was a teenager. I now want to find out and how can I do this?
Thank you and regards

Hi Margaret,

Thank you for your recent comment.

I’m afraid that a DNA test won't be able to provide you with this information directly. However, genetic ancestry tests can be used to find out about the different ethnicities that have contributed to your DNA and can also match you with living relatives, according to how much DNA you share with them. Combining this knowledge with traditional genealogy research may help you find out more about your possible connection to King Alfonso.

Johnny

11 September 2017

There are questions as to whom my mothers father was.. everybody is deceased now, except for myself (male), and the man in questions son, and daughter.... so can a dna test confirm the relation from a man to his uncle/aunt on his mothers side ??
thanks you Johnny B

Hi Johnny,

Thank you for your recent comment.

Yes, there are tests that can determine a biological relationship between an aunt/uncle and nephew. We’d suggest you visit this page, which lists avuncular test providers: https://dnatestingchoice.com/aunt-uncle-testing. We'd recommend contacting some of these providers to discuss which testing options would be best in your situation.

Kind regards,

Harriet

Harriet Seldon | Services Team

Juliet

4 October 2017

Hello
My mother was English and I don't know who my father is. I have been told that he was a Greek cypriot I was conceived in 1963. As I am a female could an ethnicity DNA test show if I have Greek ancestry or can't it show my fathers line?please thanks

Hi Juliet,

Thank you for your recent comment.

Yes, an ancestry test that analyses your autosomal DNA would be able provide you with information about your genetic ethnicity, using both your maternal and paternal ancestry.

Rosa

24 October 2017

How much its cost plz to have DNA paternity test done? Just want the exact price. Thank u

Hi Rosa,

Thank you for your recent comment.

I'm afraid there isn't one universal price for paternity testing. The cost varies depending on which company you use, whether you need it for 'peace of mind' or legal reasons, and how many people are tested.

Buddy Ortagus

2 November 2017

I am a Gulf War veteran and would like to know which mtDNA or should it be the Nuclear Dna test. I read were researchers have found the reason on Gulf War illness. I will be paying for this out of my pocket.

Hi Buddy,

Thank you for your recent comment.

I’m afraid that we don't know of any providers currently offering DNA testing associated with Gulf War Syndrome and don't list any tests that can diagnose a medical condition. If you believe you may be suffering with a genetic condition, we'd recommend contacting a health professional who can give you advice about the appropriate test to take.

Kind regards,

Harriet

Harriet Seldon | Services Team

Joseph

13 November 2017

Am from Kenya can i order a kit to test my self and my three kids jast to know if in did am the father

Hi Joseph,

Thank you for your recent comment.

I’m afraid that we currently only list providers that sell paternity tests in the UK or US. Sorry that we can't be of further help.

Kind regards,

Harriet

Harriet Seldon | Services Team

Lorelei

29 November 2017

How much is the DNA test to know if my known sibling is from the same parent as mine?

Walid Omar Bacran

We’d suggest you visit this page, which lists the types of DNA tests available, then filter by price to view the cheapest tests in the category you choose: https://dnatestingchoice.com/tests

Kind regards,

Harriet

Harriet Seldon | Services Team

ANKE

13 February 2018

Hi , I had my DNA tested with MyHeritage and my brother with Ancestry. There is quite a bit of difference in the results. Although both of them tell us we are mostly Scandinavian, from Great Britain and North/Western European the percentages are way out. Smaller percentages of his DNA is found in places not mentioned in mine. We had parents who were together for 60 years , absolutely no doubts there. So do I take all this now as a pinch of salt?!

Hi Anke,

Thank you for your recent comment.

There are several reasons why your genetic ethnicity results may differ from your brother's. One reason is that although you both inherited your genes from the same parents, not all of your DNA is the same. On average, full siblings share about 50% of their DNA. You can read more about why this is in our guide to sibling DNA testing: https://dnatestingchoice.com/news/2017-02-23-what-is-a-sibling-dna-test

Miguel Morales

5 March 2018

How fresh is the sample to be sent for paternity test, has to be? For example, saliba.

Hi Miguel,

Thank you for your recent comment.

This depends on the provider you use for the paternity test. We’d suggest contacting the company you're interested in testing with directly, as they will be able to provide you with information about their specific sample requirements.

Kind regards,

Harriet

Harriet Seldon | Services Team

Sharon duff

16 April 2018

Just recently found out after 46yrs, that my first cousin "could be my brother" he is convinced I'm not so but open to do test. Which one is best ty

Ton La

21 May 2018

Hi, I have a question regarding with DNA test. I know a person claim to be my half sister. She is my father another child with different woman. What type of DNA test can it be done to verify our relationship? I am a male and she is female. Does DNA test tell us if we came from the same farther? Thanks Ton

Quinny

21 May 2018

My mother was adopted and is from Italy. We know nothing about her family that left her at the hospital when she was born. She has passed away but I still have the plastic disposal bin filled with her diabetic needles and was wondering if you could point me in the right direction about where I can get these needles swabbed & tested for DNA so that we have a chance of learning something about her history and her family. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.!

Hi Quinny,

Thank you for your recent comment.

While it wouldn't be possible to discover your mother's parentage from a DNA test (since you would need to test the possible parents too), you may be able to perform an ancestry test to discover more about her heritage. Under the circumstances, I'd suggest you contact a lab directly. You can find a list of providers offering ancestry testing here: https://dnatestingchoice.com/ancestry

I hope this helps you discover more about your mother's heritage!

Kind regards,

Harriet

Harriet Seldon | Services Team

Sue

10 June 2018

My partner believes I have cheated on him and I have done a lie detector test but he needs dna proof. Is there a swab test that can be done on my vagina so I can prove his and my ex's dna is all that is there? Thanks.

Hi Sue,

Thanks for commenting!

There are companies that perform DNA tests for infidelity. In your case, I'd suggest contacting a lab directly to see if they can help you. A list of providers for infidelity testing can be found here: https://dnatestingchoice.com/infidelity-testing

Kind regards,

Harriet

Harriet Seldon | Services Team

Laura

12 June 2018

Hi My name is Laura
I would like to find my dad i have never meet him He left me when i was 1 years old i would love to see my dad only if he wonts to see me i would like to save up and get a DNA test it would mean a lot to me i just have to work hard and one day i hope i do fine my dad every day i think about him i write letters in my book i don't show anyone i only show one of my teachers I'm 17 years old and my family said to me your never meeting your dad i was thinking insde my head well if i wont to see my dad it's up to me so i hope you can help .

steve

31 October 2018

could you give me a address of a reputable company in the uk for testing to see if my daughter is mine
thanks
steve

Hi Steve,

Thank you for commenting.

If you gohere you can read reviews of various companies that offer paternity testing. The top three are all reputable companies that offer both "peace of mind" and legal testing.

I hope this helps.

Kind regards,

Harriet

Harriet Seldon | Services Team

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